Name: Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: – 5 cloves garlic minced Adds a pungent aroma and depth to the sauce.; – 2 tablespoons fresh ginger grated Brings warmth and freshness to balance the spices.; – 16 oz (450g) tomato sauce or passata Forms the base of the sauce, providing acidity and richness.; – 1 teaspoon ground cumin Offers an earthy flavor that enhances the overall spice profile.; – 2 teaspoons garam masala The core spice blend that gives this slow cooker butter chicken its distinctive taste.; – 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Contributes mild heat and a smoky note to the dish.; – 1 teaspoon ground turmeric Provides a bright color and subtle earthy flavor with anti-inflammatory benefits.; – ½ teaspoon chili powder (omit if serving children) Adds a kick of heat, adjustable for family preferences.; – 1 teaspoon salt Balances the flavors and seasons the chicken properly.; – ½ teaspoon granulated sugar or honey (optional) Helps round out the acidity of the tomato sauce if needed.; – 2 lb (900g) boneless skinless chicken thighs The main protein that stays tender and juicy in the crockpot butter chicken recipe.; – 3 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into small cubes Infuses the dish with a rich, buttery mouthfeel.; – ½ cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream Creates the creamy finish that makes this easy butter chicken so satisfying.; – 2 tablespoons fresh parsley mint or cilantro for garnish Adds a fresh touch to elevate the presentation.

Ingredients

– 5 cloves garlic minced Adds a pungent aroma and depth to the sauce.

– 2 tablespoons fresh ginger grated Brings warmth and freshness to balance the spices.

– 16 oz (450g) tomato sauce or passata Forms the base of the sauce, providing acidity and richness.

– 1 teaspoon ground cumin Offers an earthy flavor that enhances the overall spice profile.

– 2 teaspoons garam masala The core spice blend that gives this slow cooker butter chicken its distinctive taste.

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Contributes mild heat and a smoky note to the dish.

– 1 teaspoon ground turmeric Provides a bright color and subtle earthy flavor with anti-inflammatory benefits.

– ½ teaspoon chili powder (omit if serving children) Adds a kick of heat, adjustable for family preferences.

– 1 teaspoon salt Balances the flavors and seasons the chicken properly.

– ½ teaspoon granulated sugar or honey (optional) Helps round out the acidity of the tomato sauce if needed.

– 2 lb (900g) boneless skinless chicken thighs The main protein that stays tender and juicy in the crockpot butter chicken recipe.

– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into small cubes Infuses the dish with a rich, buttery mouthfeel.

– ½ cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream Creates the creamy finish that makes this easy butter chicken so satisfying.

– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley mint or cilantro for garnish Adds a fresh touch to elevate the presentation.

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Instructions

1-First Step: Mise en Place: Pat the chicken dry and season it lightly with salt and pepper. Have 16 oz (450g) of tomato sauce, 5 cloves minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons grated ginger ready. This preparation takes about 15 minutes and sets the stage for a flavorful butter chicken in your crockpot.

2-Second Step: Optional Searing: If you want deeper flavor, heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet and brown the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the crockpot. For a true set-and-forget method, you can skip this to save time, making it ideal for busy parents.

3-Third Step: Build the Sauce: In your slow cooker, combine the tomato sauce, garlic, ginger, spices like 2 teaspoons garam masala and 1 teaspoon ground cumin, plus 1 teaspoon salt and optional sugar. Stir well to mix, then nestle the chicken into the sauce for even coating. This step builds the base for your crockpot butter chicken recipe.

4-Fourth Step: Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours until the chicken hits 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check, as this ensures it’s tender and safe. For pressure cooker adaptations, reduce the time to about 10-15 minutes on high pressure.

5-Fifth Step: Finish and Enrich: About 20-30 minutes before serving, stir in ½ cup heavy cream and whisk until creamy. If you need a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it in. This step makes your easy butter chicken luxuriously smooth.

6-Sixth Step: Adapt for Dietary Needs: For dairy-free options, use coconut milk in place of cream. Keep it gluten-free by sticking to the core ingredients, and for lower-calorie versions, reduce the butter or use chicken breast. These tweaks keep the crockpot butter chicken recipe versatile for everyone.

7-Seventh Step: Garnish and Rest: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes to blend flavors, then garnish with 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs. Finally, serve it with basmati rice or naan. This crockpot butter chicken is ready in a total time of about 1 hour 45 minutes, making it perfect for working professionals.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍲 Use a 4-quart slow cooker for small batches and avoid adding extra water as chicken releases juices.
🌶️ Omit chili powder for a milder flavor suitable for children.
🥥 Substitute heavy cream with half and half or coconut milk for dairy-free versions, adding cream only after cooking to prevent separation.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Gluten-Free option

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 580 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 1369 mg
Fat: 58 g
Saturated Fat: 23 g
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 40 g
Cholesterol: 286 mg